As preschoolers progress through our gentle separation process this week, teachers are working to build trusting relationships with each individual child. Having half the class attend for each child's first full class period allows for one-on-one connections between teachers and students to start building these relationships. Committed support from parents and caregivers allows all students to get the support they need during these beginning days at school. (fb)

Our gradual separation process has started at Park West! Each child is invited to visit the classroom with the support of a parent to meet the teachers and play for a short time. This gives children and teachers the opportunity to start to get to know each other and parents the opportunity to connect with teachers. Children then attend their first day(s) with the support of a parent or other trusted caregiver. At Park West, we view the separation experience as an ongoing developmental issue – both emotionally and intellectually. Our approach to parent-child separation is gradual and individualized, which enables children to draw on their own developing resources to learn how to handle the uneasiness of being on their own, a little at a time. We know that children must learn to trust the teachers in the classroom in order to feel safe and secure at school. We're working with each individual child and family on a plan that will work for them. Learn more about our approach on our website: https://www.parkwestcoop.org/the-park-west-approach (fb)